Aston Villa are keen on signing Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson this summer, according to reports.
The West Midlands club are looking to bolster Unai Emery’s options up front after the season and have identified Jackson as a potential target.
Villa could look to replace England international Ollie Watkins, who has been linked with a move away amid a difficult season at the club, with just eight goals in 27 Premier League appearances.
Jackson was targeted by Villa during last summer’s transfer window but ended up joining Bayern Munich on loan, where he has scored five times in 22 appearances so far.
Aston Villa Keen on Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson sitting on the Bayern Munich bench
According to Football Insider, Emery is a particular admirer of Jackson and has already sanctioned a move for the 24-year-old following Villa’s initial interest last year.
Jackson has struggled for regular opportunities at Bayern this term, managing just five starts in the Bundesliga and a further two in the Champions League.
The 24-year-old joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 from Villarreal and found the back of the net 30 times across 81 games at Stamford Bridge.
Bayern have a conditional obligation to make Jackson’s arrival permanent for £70m after the season but are unlikely to meet the clauses required to secure a long-term move for the ‘unbelievable’ forward.
James Trafford Wants Aston Villa Move
james trafford
Aston Villa appear to be heading for a busy transfer window, as they could look to finally replace their long-serving goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
According to reports, Villa view Manchester City shot-stopper James Trafford as a potential replacement for the Argentine, who came close to leaving the club last summer.
Trafford is expected to be on the move after the season, having struggled for regular playing time under Pep Guardiola and managing just 11 appearances so far.
The uncapped England international is believed to have earmarked Villa, who look set to secure Champions League football this season, as his preferred destination.
Could Jackson Replace Ollie Watkins?
ollie watkins
Amid Villa’s reported interest in Jackson, we asked ChatGPT whether the Senegalese forward would be a good replacement for Watkins this summer:
Similar production – Jackson’s goals-per-90 and creative output are broadly comparable to Watkins, with his shot-creating actions and touches in the box often above Watkins. He also gets into good positions regularly.
Potential and style – Younger and more dynamic with a high work rate and pressing, Jackson offers long-term upside and movement in behind defences.
Finishing edge for Watkins – Watkins has more Premier League experience, slightly better conversion and assists, making him more reliable immediately. Jackson would be a project with high potential rather than a sure fire better option at this stage.
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